FIVE FEARS that will terminate your career!

In order to maintain a successful career or to begin that climb towards your greatest success, it is imperative that you learn the top Five Fears that WILL Destroy your Career ... then completely squash them! Don't allow these fears to tarnish your dream, your drive or potential accomplishments. Destroy them, before they destroy you! 

The fear of saying "no".

Do not be afraid when expressing your opinion and setting parameters. This is because clear communication is well respected amongst professionals as it reflects integrity and honesty. It also allows you to better manage expectations to avoid disappointment. 

During your career climb there will be projects that disinterest you, tasks that contradict your ethics and procedure that will hinder your output. By responding with a 'no' you could save time, energy or focus, which consequently could be better spent elsewhere. Saying 'no' means that you are able to prioritise and not afraid or insecure of stepping aside to let your team handle it. Additionally, saying 'no' cuts out the insignificant time wasting tasks!

The fear of failing or making mistakes.

We all start somewhere...

Those who wish to get ahead will learn their strengths and weaknesses by testing their capabilities. These professionals are not afraid at the prospect of failing because in the long run, they can use these experiences to better their approach and to expand their skill set. In fact, you should be grateful that you make mistakes as these WILL make you stronger and help build character. It also means that you will bounce back faster and force yourself to think more strategically.

Don't let the fear of making a mistake hold you back. Besides we don't truly make mistakes, you either win or learn! 

The fear of being socially awkward. 

This is the most ridiculous fear of all! 
You must be confident so that you can network and gain respect.

Successful professionals are expected to appear calm and eloquently spoken within the public sphere, meaning that you will need to tame these nerves. Besides the real professionals will appreciate the unique abilities or colourful traits you contribute to the team. If you are different, embrace it and use it to your advantage.

Remember that there will be people on this planet with similar interests, so what you have to offer outweighs the need to adhere to 'the norm'.  Be bold!

The fear of taking a risk.

Firstly, let me clarify, I am referring to  'taking a (calculated) risk'. Secondly, nothing in life is guaranteed so to gain any reward, we make calculated risks all day, every day! 

This fear stems from the lack of confidence in yourself (and surroundings) when debating a choice. During this deliberation process (should I or should I not take this risk?), you willingly create this misleading notion that you have a fear of taking risks when in reality this fear actually represents your incapacity to make a calculated choice.  

So... if you: are confident in your decision making ability, can identify the objective in front of you by using deductive reasoning and have concluded a realistic outcome, the thought of taking a risk should no longer be a fear. Taking a 'calculated risk' should be the next rational step. 

The fear of insecurity.

All we strive to be better; we want the best or to be the best. However this 'need' comes at a cost especially when your outlook is unrealistic through unwarranted self doubt.

This is because we are constantly judging ourselves and willingly placing an unnecessary comparison framework on ourselves. What you need to do is eliminate any ill advised notions or unreasonable self questioning as employers interpret this as a threat to the team dynamic. No body wants to work with a sad sob and at no point do employers want to see a colleague beat themselves up over something irrelevant because in the greater scheme of things, it is not professional nor mentally healthy. 

 Yep, that's 5 folks! 

Editorial Content and Insight: Kelly Evagelakos

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